300 WSM - Whitetail, what bullet do you recommend?

vtrevx · 10-23-2009, 06:24 PM

I've got a new Browning SS X Bolt chambered in a 300 WSM and I am looking for info from others with this gun or others that have a gun shooting this round regarding what bullets (factory load) they have tried and had good luck with.

I'll be using it for Whitetail only for now and could be taking a shot at 300+ yards.

So far I've put about 4 boxes of shells through the gun and have tried:
Winchester Super X 180gr
Federal Fusion 165gr

Both grouped good at 100 yards and shot pretty consistent at 300 yards.

Was thinking of trying the Winchester's Supreme Silvertip in 180gr.

So my question is...is a 180gr bullet too much for a whitetail w/ a 300 wsm? I've read online that the 180gr might not fully expand on contact like a 150/165 when hitting the lighter skin of a whitetail?

Maybe I should just stick with the 165gr Fusion's? I've got to buy another box of shells and sight in prior to my hunting trip at the end of next week.

Thanks for your help.

-vtrevx

halfbakedi420 · 10-23-2009, 06:28 PM

well i was usin fed premium barnes mrx 180 and did good..i have changed to the s.silvertips and i think they are flyin better and the price is better as well...180g is fine.

spaniel · 10-23-2009, 06:46 PM

I'd prefer the 165s though the 180s should do fine as well. Either way, make sure you avoid the shoulder or you won't have anything up front left to eat. I shot a muley at 438 yards last year with a 300WM and 200gr Accubonds, went in just behind the shoulder and liquified everything for a 6 inch radius.

vtrevx · 10-23-2009, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.

I can get the Federal Fusion 165's for about $30/box and the Winchester Supremes are about $42/box in the 300 WSM...So is it a no brainer and I should just stick with the Fusion's?
Am I going to see any noticeable difference taking a deer down at 300 yards w/ these two rounds?

Thanks

iowabuckslayer · 10-23-2009, 06:57 PM

I have shot a few with 150gr silvertips and love them. They also shoot a little flater than a 180 so i don't have to so exact in my yardage. I think they recoil a little less as well. good luck and enjoy that boomer.

skiking · 10-23-2009, 07:31 PM

If the Fusions shoot well in your rifle and are cheaper, I would go for those. I have had good experiences with the fusions on deer.

heinz57 · 10-24-2009, 03:44 AM

i have been shooting 180 gr. WINCHESTER SUPREME ACCUBOND with my .300wsm .have shot 15 caribou 3 moose 1 spike whitetail ..all dropped in they're tracks ..no damage to the meat at all [DON'T SHOULDER SHOOT] i tried the new XP3 WINCHESTER .150 GR. for more velocity but accuracy was lost ..so i am back with the 180 gr...

http://www.nosler.com/accubond.htm

spaniel · 10-24-2009, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtrevx

Am I going to see any noticeable difference taking a deer down at 300 yards w/ these two rounds?

Thanks

No, other than possible a few inches difference in trajectory (drop should be under 10 inches anyways), the differences won't make themselves evident that close. You've got more than enough bullet and velocity with either.

bugsNbows · 10-24-2009, 05:22 AM

Here is another option. I used Federal Premium 130 gr. Barnes TTS in my X-Bolt 300 WSM. They flew and grouped well and were pretty darn fast (velocity 3500 FPS at the muzzle). Plenty much for deer!

vtrevx · 10-24-2009, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaniel

No, other than possible a few inches difference in trajectory (drop should be under 10 inches anyways), the differences won't make themselves evident that close. You've got more than enough bullet and velocity with either.

Thanks for the information everyone you've all been helpful. If the knockdown power, speed, trajectory... between the 180gr and 165gr at 300 yards is little difference I will just stick with the 165gr Fusion.
They seem to shoot good out of this gun so I guess there is no need to try anything else.

-vtrevx